The Story of Saint Valentine

This was a perfect gentle, slightly incorrect revisionist story for my sensitive 5byear old and 2 year old. Exactly what I was looking for!

This book was my least favorite book this year of the ones I purchased for the holiday. Although it is a children’s adaptation I felt it simplified the holiday too much.

Great book! My 4 and 7 year old were able to understand the story and really enjoyed the illustrations. I also enjoyed reading it to them. Great way to teach kids about Saint Valentine and why we celebrate love on his Feast Day.

I purchased several books about Saint Valentine for my Waldorf 2nd grade block on the Saints. As soon as this book arrived I read it and requested a return authorization. It is way too simplistic. The sentences are short and choppy, the artwork is childish and crude, and the story is severely lacking. I agree with other reviewers that it oversimplifies to the point of not being worth it, and it does end abruptly, leaving the impression that the Emperor's heart was changed by the goodness of Valentine. Which it wasn't.

If you are looking for a book about the actual life of St Valentine, this book is not for you. While writing a children's adaptation, I understand leaving out details such a martyrdom. However, this book gives a false ending to his life. The reader is led to believe the Emperor at the time became a good man because of St Valentine. (While he liked St Valentine for his miracle, he later had him killed because Valentine would not renounce his faith.)

MORE INFO NEEDED.

Good to have the real story to tell. Easy for small children to understand. My older children like it too.